Christ: The Ultimate Glory of Israel and Believers

 

Summary

In the sermon, the focus is on the profound glory of Jesus Christ as the light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, as expressed in Luke 2:32. Jesus, once rejected by His own, is now the ultimate honor and splendor of God's people. The sermon emphasizes the unparalleled glory of Israel, not because of its historical figures like Moses or David, but because Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was born from its lineage. This glory is not just historical but prophetic, as the day will come when Israel will recognize Jesus as their Messiah, leading to a joyous reconciliation.

The sermon further explores the spiritual significance of Jesus as the glory of His people, the Church. Believers are likened to Israel, having a covenant with God through Jesus, who is the foundation of all mercies and hopes. The sermon highlights the importance of secret prayer and wrestling with God, akin to Jacob's experience, as a mark of true believers. It acknowledges the trials faced by believers, reminding them that tribulation is part of the journey to God's kingdom, and encourages faith like Jacob's, which looks beyond present circumstances to the promised land.

The sermon also delves into the multifaceted glory believers find in Christ: election, redemption, adoption, justification, sanctification, and eternal security. Each aspect of a believer's glory is rooted in Christ's work, emphasizing that all spiritual treasures come through Him. The sermon warns against seeking glory in worldly achievements, urging believers to find their glory solely in Christ. It concludes with a call to action, encouraging believers to boldly confess their faith and live for Christ's glory, while inviting those who do not yet know Him to seek and trust in Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus as the Glory of Israel: Jesus Christ is the ultimate glory of Israel, surpassing all historical and cultural achievements. His birth and life fulfill the deepest hopes and prophecies of the Jewish people, and His recognition as Messiah will bring profound reconciliation and joy. This glory is not just historical but a future promise of unity and peace. [02:32]

2. Covenant Relationship with God: Believers, like Israel, have a covenant relationship with God through Jesus. This covenant is the foundation of all spiritual blessings and hopes, providing security and assurance of God's faithfulness. It is a relationship that transforms and elevates believers, making them heirs of God's promises. [04:28]

3. The Glory of Redemption and Adoption: The glory of believers lies in their redemption and adoption as God's children, achieved through Jesus Christ. This redemption is a costly gift, emphasizing the immense love and value God places on His people. It assures believers of their identity and inheritance in Christ. [09:25]

4. Sanctification and Eternal Security: Sanctification is a significant aspect of a believer's glory, achieved through the blood of Jesus. It is a process that aligns believers with Christ's holiness, offering assurance of eternal security. This sanctification is not through human effort but through the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. [17:14]

5. Christ as the Sole Source of Glory: Believers are urged to find their glory solely in Christ, not in worldly achievements or recognition. True glory comes from reflecting Christ's character and living for His honor. This focus on Christ ensures that believers' treasures are secure and eternal, rooted in the unchanging nature of Jesus. [30:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Christ's Glory
- [00:28] - Israel's Unique Honor
- [01:49] - Prophetic Reconciliation
- [03:26] - Literal and Spiritual Meanings
- [04:28] - Covenant with God
- [05:51] - Wrestling in Prayer
- [07:01] - Trials and Faith
- [09:25] - Redemption and Adoption
- [12:14] - Union with Christ
- [13:15] - Glory Through Christ
- [17:14] - Sanctification
- [19:32] - Christ's Suffering and Resurrection
- [26:01] - Giving Glory to Christ
- [34:11] - Future Glory in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:32

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe Jesus as the ultimate glory of Israel, surpassing historical figures like Moses and David? [00:28]

2. What is the significance of the covenant relationship between believers and God, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:28]

3. According to the sermon, what are the different aspects of glory that believers find in Christ? [13:15]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of secret prayer and wrestling with God, similar to Jacob's experience? [05:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus fulfills the deepest hopes and prophecies of the Jewish people? [02:32]

2. How does the sermon explain the concept of sanctification and its significance for believers? [17:14]

3. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of seeking glory in worldly achievements instead of in Christ? [30:12]

4. How does the sermon describe the future promise of unity and peace when Israel recognizes Jesus as their Messiah? [02:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek glory in worldly achievements rather than in Christ? How can you shift your focus to find your glory solely in Him? [30:12]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of secret prayer. How can you incorporate more intentional and heartfelt prayer into your daily routine? [05:51]

3. Consider the trials you face in your life. How can you adopt a faith like Jacob's, which looks beyond present circumstances to the promised land? [07:01]

4. The sermon calls believers to boldly confess their faith. Is there someone in your life with whom you can share your faith this week? How will you approach this conversation? [43:02]

5. How can you actively participate in the reconciliation and unity that the sermon describes as a future promise for Israel and the Church? [02:32]

6. Reflect on the concept of sanctification. What specific steps can you take to align more closely with Christ's holiness in your daily life? [17:14]

7. The sermon warns against being indifferent to the conversion of Israel. How can you cultivate a heart that prays for and supports the spiritual awakening of others, including those who may seem distant from faith? [01:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Israel's Glory
Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate glory of Israel, surpassing all historical and cultural achievements. His birth and life fulfill the deepest hopes and prophecies of the Jewish people, and His recognition as Messiah will bring profound reconciliation and joy. This glory is not just historical but a future promise of unity and peace. Jesus, once rejected by His own, is now the ultimate honor and splendor of God's people. The unparalleled glory of Israel is not because of its historical figures like Moses or David, but because Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was born from its lineage. This glory is prophetic, as the day will come when Israel will recognize Jesus as their Messiah, leading to a joyous reconciliation. [02:32]

Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's plan for reconciliation and unity in your community today, reflecting the glory of Christ?


Day 2: Covenant Relationship with God
Believers, like Israel, have a covenant relationship with God through Jesus. This covenant is the foundation of all spiritual blessings and hopes, providing security and assurance of God's faithfulness. It is a relationship that transforms and elevates believers, making them heirs of God's promises. Through Jesus, believers are brought into a new covenant that assures them of God's unwavering love and commitment. This relationship is not based on human merit but on the grace and mercy extended through Christ. As heirs of God's promises, believers are called to live in the assurance and security that this covenant provides, knowing that God's faithfulness is unchanging. [04:28]

Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of your covenant relationship with God today?


Day 3: The Glory of Redemption and Adoption
The glory of believers lies in their redemption and adoption as God's children, achieved through Jesus Christ. This redemption is a costly gift, emphasizing the immense love and value God places on His people. It assures believers of their identity and inheritance in Christ. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are redeemed from sin and adopted into God's family, receiving a new identity and eternal inheritance. This transformation is a testament to God's profound love and grace, inviting believers to live in the freedom and assurance of their new status as children of God. The glory of this redemption and adoption is a constant reminder of the value and worth God places on each believer. [09:25]

Ephesians 1:5-7 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a redeemed and adopted child of God influence your daily interactions and decisions?


Day 4: Sanctification and Eternal Security
Sanctification is a significant aspect of a believer's glory, achieved through the blood of Jesus. It is a process that aligns believers with Christ's holiness, offering assurance of eternal security. This sanctification is not through human effort but through the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. As believers grow in their relationship with Christ, they are continually being sanctified, becoming more like Him in character and conduct. This process is a work of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that believers are secure in their salvation and confident in their eternal destiny. The assurance of eternal security is rooted in the finished work of Christ, providing peace and confidence to live boldly for Him. [17:14]

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Reflection: What specific areas of your life is God calling you to surrender for sanctification, and how can you respond to His call today?


Day 5: Christ as the Sole Source of Glory
Believers are urged to find their glory solely in Christ, not in worldly achievements or recognition. True glory comes from reflecting Christ's character and living for His honor. This focus on Christ ensures that believers' treasures are secure and eternal, rooted in the unchanging nature of Jesus. In a world that often values temporary success and recognition, believers are called to seek their worth and identity in Christ alone. By living for His glory, they reflect His love and grace to the world, storing up treasures that are eternal and unshakeable. This call to focus on Christ challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and align their lives with His purposes. [30:12]

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to shift your focus from worldly achievements to finding your true glory in Christ?

Quotes

The Lord Jesus Christ though once despised and rejected by his own countrymen is the great honor and Splendor of God's people Israel. It is reckoned and honor to a nation when eminent persons are born of its stock in lineage but Israel can claim the Palm above all lands for she can say that our Lord sprang out of Judah. [00:24:25]

Brethren the day will come when the veil shall be taken from the eye and the hardness from the heart and Abraham's sons Shall Behold the true Messiah and accept him as their glory and their all in that day after the long time of winter how bright the summer will be. [01:55:51]

Surely because God has made a covenant with them as he did with Jacob. Jacob at the foot of the ladder saw a way which led from Earth to heaven we at the foot of the cross have beheld the self-same vision we see away from our poor Fallen estate up to all the glories of the place where Jehovah dwells. [04:26:40]

He hath made with us a covenant ordered in all things and sure this is the great Fountain of all our mercies the ground of all our hopes our covenant God is the Delight of our inmost souls our castle and high tower our son and our Shield he by himself hath sworn I on his oath depend. [05:08:10]

It is one mark of the heir of Heaven that he understands the value of secret prayer and that he exercises himself in it that it is to him as Sterner reality as wrestling is to the athlete when he seeks to hurl his antagonist to the ground not a mumbling of words but a marshalling of all the powers of manhood. [05:52:46]

Faith must be tried God had one son without sin but he never had a son without the rod as many as I love I rebuke and chasten I hope we shall be like Jacob always in our faith for though he may have distrusted occasionally yet he was a man of giant faith. [07:21:52]

We have the glory first of election of being chosen by God out of the rest of mankind to be a separated people a glory before which Imperial pomp grows pale but this comes to us all together through Jesus Christ according as he hath chosen Us in him from before the foundation of the world that we should be holy. [13:56:27]

It is a great glory to have a new heart and a right spirit and to pant after Holiness but this also comes by the same Royal Road for we are Sanctified through the blood of Jesus which the Holy Spirit applies to us there is not a particle of true sanctity in all the world which does not spring from the cross. [17:06:59]

If thou make anything to be thy Glory except Christ God will prepare a worm to eat the root of it for he will have thee if Thou Art his he will have thee chaste to himself and thou shalt never have anything to glory in but Christ you know beloved this is a trying point with many others. [31:51:13]

We must glory in Jesus and not in our ministry oh said those disciples as they came back with excited hearts Lord Lord even devils are subject to us the city nevertheless Rejoice not in this but rather Rejoice that your names are written in heaven there is the point you must come back to that rejoicing in your own personal salvation. [32:25:40]

If you seek Your Glory anywhere on Earth you will lose it even if for a while you win it but he who has his glory in Christ when he openeth his eyes in the next World we'll see Christ and so behold his glory is safe and firmly entailed upon him there safely is my treasure and I have it have it forever. [38:26:03]

The best sermons are the sermons which are fullest of Christ a sermon without Christ it is an awful a horrible thing it is an empty well it is a cloud Without Rain it is a tree twice dead plucked up by the roots it is an abominable thing to give men stones for bread and scorpions for eggs. [40:38:19]

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Transcript
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